Graffiti problem begs public attention

Jason Smith

I live in the North Huntington Beach area and have for 39 years. I

can’t believe how much “tagging” and other forms of graffiti I’ve

been seeing in the neighborhood lately. It’s out of control! The

areas I’m referring to are: Warner to Talbert Avenue and Springdale

to Graham Street and the flood control access that runs to the beach.

The damage I’ve seen has been done to utility boxes, street light and

telephone poles, street signs, brick walls and the Graham Street

bridge, including the walls of the pedestrian access stairs northeast

of the canal.

The city workers are doing the best they can. Every time I call

and enter a complaint, the graffiti is down within days, but

unfortunately it is sometimes replaced by fresh vandalism. The

Community Policing liaison officers who have been specifically

patrolling the area based upon complaints have been identifying

possible vandals and/or making arrests, but they, too, are

overwhelmed and can’t be everywhere at once.

So, parents or guardians, know the whereabouts of your kids at all

times of the day and night and what they might be doing outside of

your presence. (Keeping track of them in this day and age is not just

about them being a victim of a kidnapping, getting robbed, running

away or being involved in a fight, but sadly might include the

possibility of them engaging in unlawful activity themselves). Not to

stereotype, but usually a “tagger” can be described (based upon my

experience as a police officer of 11 years) as a juvenile who might

have social problems and wants some type of attention. They might

have artistic talent, but no educational or professional direction,

and may have prior problems with authority. They may use tagging as a

means of political expression or retaliation, and/or may be a person

merely wanting to randomly vandalize property.

If you suspect your kid of such mischievous behavior, check out

his/her bedroom for unusual amounts of artwork not related to school

or a specific moniker repeatedly written on notebooks, furniture or

walls. Look for large numbers or specific types of pens/markers,

spray cans, stick deodorant not being used for personal hygiene,

etching tools or tubes of paint in their backpacks or pockets.

Monitor the style of clothing they are wearing that you did not buy

for them (or labels you’re not familiar with). Lastly, look for U.S.

Post Office packing labels or “Hello My Name is” or personal letter

stickers with artwork/moniker on them, as that is a sure sign of

someone involved in tagging.

Graffiti eventually destroys a neighborhood and brings down its

value -- not just monetarily, but visually and physically. I don’t

know about you, but I’d like to continue to enjoy life here in

Huntington Beach and the cleanliness I’ve been accustomed to. Please

report any incidences or activities related to tagging to the police,

no matter how minor.

* JASON SMITH is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to

“Sounding Off” e-mail us at hbindependent@latimes.com or fax us at

(714) 966-4667.